Chapter 20 Duke Family Girls' Gathering
After finishing tea with the prince, I thought I could finally enjoy some peaceful days...
But of course, I was still caught up in busy days.
Well, yes, accepting the prince's invitation did allow me to turn down all other invitations for a while, but soon enough, a second invitation arrived.
It was just a delay of the inevitable troubles... sigh...
"So... is this the place today?"
So, here I am, invited to the Belmont Duke's residence.
When I wrote back saying I couldn't make it because I was responding to the prince's invitation, they quickly replied, saying that since they had a mansion in the same capital, how about changing the date?
I wonder if they were so eager to have tea with me because they were charmed by my cuteness? It's kind of embarrassing.
"Welcome, it's a pleasure to have you here. This way, please."
Following the dandy butler's guidance, I walked through the garden.
By the way, my Elder Brother isn't with me today.
It's a girls' gathering, so no boys allowed.
That means this dandy butler will guide me and then leave.
Hmm, he seems quite old, but still maintains some good muscles; I wish I could ask him for his secret.
What a shame.
"Long time no see, Ms. Yumie. No need for introductions, right?"
"Of course, Lady Monica. I'm happy to see you."
At the place I was guided to, everything was perfectly set up for the tea party, and Monica was waiting.
The strong-willed girl gracefully bowed, and just being in her presence gave off an air of dignity, making me feel like I naturally wanted to kneel.
...Actually, the other noble girls gathered there were really kneeling.
What is this?
"What are you doing?"
"You should quickly bow down before Lady Monica, who will eventually become the Crown Prince's bride! Hurry up and show your utmost respect!"
"Oh, right."
Speaking of which, Monica is the top candidate to be engaged to Prince Sigurt.
It's still just a candidate status and not finalized, but since there are no other candidates here, I guess she wants to soak in that feeling a bit early.
I don't want to create any tension over something like this, so I guess I'll just go along with it.
"I would like to greet the future Crown Princess. I am truly grateful for the invitation to this gathering today."
I pinch the hem of my skirt and kneel in front of Monica.
When I glance up, Monica is smiling with satisfaction, so I guess I did the right thing.
...Since I'm here, I might as well go a little further.
"By the name of Granbell, I will protect you, Lady Monica, from all disasters until my last breath. Please accept my loyalty."
I gently lift Monica's foot and kiss the top of it.
This is like a ceremony where a knight swears eternal loyalty to their lord.
In the Granbell Family, known as the royal family's trusted blade, it is a tradition to perform this for royalty upon reaching adulthood, reaffirming their bond.
In short, I, who will eventually become an adult as Granbell, am doing this ahead of time for Monica, who will one day be the Crown Princess.
Of course, Monica probably knew that.
She looks surprised, her eyes wide, as if she didn't expect this much.
"...W-well, that's a good attitude. I have a new appreciation for you."
"I am honored by your praise."
I smile at Monica, who turns her head away while hiding her mouth with the fan she's holding.
It seems this flow was unexpected, as the other young ladies are looking at Monica with expressions like, "What are you going to do?"...
But I guess it's not a problem.
After all, we're just playing around.
"Well then, since everyone is here, shall we start the tea party?"
With Monica's words, the somewhat stagnant situation begins to move, and the tea party starts.
That said, what we do is no different from when we are invited to the palace.
We sip the tea made by the maids and chat happily.
If I had to say, since it's all girls gathered here, there's a lot of talk about romance and fashion.
There are rumors about a certain young man and young woman being involved, but due to their parents' wishes, they have different fiancés.
It seems they are plotting to elope because they can't give up on each other...
It sounds like something out of a play, but in this world with little entertainment, such topics are probably the norm.
Everyone, without exception, is listening in.
Of course, I am too.
"That's nice, isn't it? I admire that."
Meeting a girl you want to protect and obtain, even if it means throwing away everything about yourself.
As a man, it's something to aspire to.
Well, I'm a girl right now, so I'm on the receiving end.
"Oh, Ms. Yumie, do you also admire such things? I've heard that among commoners, stories where one becomes a princess are more popular than those about giving up their status."
"Ahaha, I like those too, of course! But I think what's important is how much both people care for each other."
I believe that stories about giving up everything for a loved one and stories about gaining everything for a loved one are essentially the same.
It's that straightforward and passionate feeling of being able to do anything for that person.
"In that sense, my family is the most important to me right now. They are the ones who gave me everything when I had nothing."
The name Granbell, the love of my family, the warmth, even these clothes and my position, I received all of it from my family.
So, at the very least, I want to contribute to my family for what they've given me.
Especially since I once caused a rift in the family.
"I'll do anything for my family. I will."
Just as I finished that statement, I suddenly realized that I had unintentionally brought the mood down with a somewhat heavy topic.
"So, I really hope my Elder Brother's fiancée is a wonderful person! Does anyone know someone good?"
I awkwardly tried to steer the conversation back to a brighter topic.
However, no matter how much I tried to change the subject, Monica's expression remained unsatisfied until the end.
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